Discus Fish - UK Discus

My New Arrivals With Pics And A Pisspoor Video

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:08:41 +0000

Just thought I would post a couple of pics and a really poor quality (was in hd when I uploaded it to YouTube but they seemed to of destroyed the quality) video.
Just bought a super red map and a malboro red. I hope the super red map doesn't get too much peppering because it looks like it has the potential to be a stunning fish. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/TWOFOOTLONGDONG/fb68cdc5.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/TWOFOOTLONGDONG/171bb52b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/TWOFOOTLONGDONG/a41c536e.jpg

Just Sponge Filters And Constant Drip Fed Hma Water?

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:11:44 +0000

Hi guys,

I have successfully kept discus for the past couple of years in a nice community tank. A few have paired off and would like to give them the chance to breed without the fry getting eaten. So I have proposed to the missus turning our front room into a mini fish house!

What I propose is to have 6 tanks, each constantly drip fed HMA water that is up to temp and airated. Each tank would just contain a sponge filter, no other means of filtration would be used.

Would this work? Going off the speed of water being drip fed each tank would roughly receive a 125% water change every day, I would also daily "hoover" the bottom of the tanks, probably removing 20% of the water in the process.

Would i still need to do large one off water changes or would this work? Also will the water be stable enough without any means of biological filtration other than the sponge filters?

Thanks in advance for anyone that can help me

Martin

Newbi What Are My Discus Called And Do They Look Healthy To You?

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:02:53 +0000

[IMG]http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww244/tommwest/ad53eccd.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww244/tommwest/dfd60378.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww244/tommwest/a6ffe6c6.jpg[/IMG] had these two for about week and half now just wondered if they look ok as these are the first discus I've eer kept and sure I rea someone on here on another topic watch out if they turn dark in colour there kept in a 125ltr tank about 7-8 plants in the tank big exsternal fluval filter kept in tapwater as these came from a tapwater tank from the seller which have had them for sale about a month month and half before I brought them

tom

Lip Locking

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 16:50:51 +0000

Im not sure what this is all about but 2 of my discus in my main tank are acting strange. I have a Blue Turk and a "royal blue" not so long ago the royal blue was pretty nasty but over the past few days, It has started swimming strangely around one of my blue turks then they lock lips briefly. Whats going on??

What Food Granuals Are Best

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 20:37:53 +0000

is the tetra prima that in the yellow tub any good as I asks and the person in the fish shop said it not the beat but all they sell for discus it's like middle of the leage,

noticed some stuff on eBay call prima red comes in clear sealed bags seems cheap and all feedback is good jut wanted to know your thoughts,

I've been feeding them bloodworm and brineshrimp I hbe two discus one seems picky not eating much but the other one will eat anything

Number1Discus ?

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:04:36 +0000

Hello fellow fish keepers, can some one give me some info on number1discus? i have seen them a few times on ebay and must say there feedback is very impresive.

Please Let Me Know!

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:28:03 +0000

just loooked at my tank now and it has gone a little bit cloudy i looked in the cupboard and my plug to the fitler somehow loosened itslef and shut off it must of happened last nite as it was on last nite coz i checked it i have just started it bck up will it harm the fish?

Updated Pictures

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:14:55 +0000

still aint yet got a background ive got a few more plants and wood to put in just havent had the time to wash then and put them in yet will be done soon though

these pics are also done in middle of water change nearly finished topping it back up

How Often To Feed My Discus

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:59:08 +0000

hi ive looked over the site but unable to find what i am looking for, i have
just purchased two small (2-2.5inch) discus which were fresh water/tap water
rather than the soft water discus i have seen, my question is how ofter
should i be feeding them to grow to a large size at a reasoanble rate as i
have been feeding my platties in the same tank every other day on flake
food,

secondly i have been cleaning my tank 25% water change every week but was
wondering if im feeding more often would it be ok to carry that on or would
it be better to say do a 10% water change every 3 days?

many thanks tom

what can i keep in my tank to help keep the sand clean

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 20:53:33 +0000

fish been in tank 2 weeks now and they seem very happy,they are right greedy bassa's

i have a question......what can i keep in my tank to help keep the sand clean??been syphoning off what uneaten food etc i can see

Will It Or Wont It! Substrate Query

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 17:53:39 +0000

hi again thanks for all the replies to the last 1 i have opted for the xmas moss.

now i have a second tank - complete blank convass so to put it. i want more Discus in there aswell it's 1200ltrs which i think is around 350gal!? my question is if i use real plants again will this method in puting the substrate in work?...

Peat at bottom, then gravel, then thick layer of sand on the top will the peat escape into the water if so how can i stop it? remember i want live plants so cant use membranes between and dont really want the hassle with pots with tights around like my current tank....

help advice please!
thanks

Member Listing

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 09:28:21 +0000

This may be an easy one to answer, but I have searched with no success.

How do I access the member listing(and other parts of the forum?)

I just get the message stating I do not have permission?

Regards

Matt

Discus 01

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 09:37:11 +0000

hi
got the new book and started READING IT LAST NIGHT ..MAINLY THE BIO TYPE SECTION AS THATS MY NEXT PROJECT
all i can say is brilliant and now i think i will def have to get the main books vol 1 -2

i small nag is that it could have gone a bit more detailed on how to set up a bio type other than whats in it
but all in all well worth the money

bruce

I Am Off For A Few Days!

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:09:21 +0000

hello all i am off for a the weekend so i wont be able to come on here untill monday.

so no saying nasty things about me!

I am off to liverpool for my stag do!!!

Alex

Java Moss - The Good, The Bad And Is It Worth It?

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:39:12 +0000

hi, new to this site and new to keeping the king of aquariums (although i kept fish for 15 years) i have decided to go for the challenge of keeping/breeding discus. now please can i have comments on the suitability of java moss with discus? i want to try my hand at aquascaping and thought moss is best way to start - is it too much trouble to keep cutting it back and what effect will i have on the discus??
thanks people i appreciate your time/knowledge and advice in advance
redman

Uv Sterilization Of Breeding Water

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:30:01 +0000

Respected Mr. Heiko Bhleher Sir,

Please let us know How a UV STERILZER will helps in breeding i.e. effect of UV Sterilized Water on Egg Whitening when TDS and Hardness are not involved?

Can UV

Book

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 04:58:17 +0000

hi
am excited have ordered a copie of heikos new discus book should be here in three days

Ramshorn Snails?

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 19:28:40 +0000

are they compatible with discus???

just wondering as thinking of getting a few to clean the algaue off my rocks and wood and clean the glass???

What Are The Best Heaters Today.

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:47:12 +0000

Hi folks, need some advice . . .

What are the best heaters available today in the UK.

Never used to bother with makes but about 8 years or so ago it seemed no matter waht I bought the stats used to fail or be very inaccurate to the point of boiling a tank of fish to death one holiday.

I want to put it in a marine tank and dont mind if it has to have a sep stat, but am fed up with some of the rubbish that is sold.

The only ones that spring to mind at the moment are the Jager ones by eheim

But hey if you dont ask you dont find out.

Freeze Dried Food

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 05:45:29 +0000

Hello
Now i know there are issues with frozen foods,like maybe its been allowed to defrost then re frozen and i gather that frozen blood worm can contain a parasite(not to sure about this??).
So im wondering if freeze dried foods are 100% safe,or if there are any problems to be found with them.
Also,can thay be fed as part of a diet,or are thay seen as merely a treat?

Filtration

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 20:28:13 +0000

Guys,
During a recent topic which i posted (with regards to nitrite in my tank water) I was advised that the external canister filter which i am currently using is not large enough for my tank, i'm now wandering what the best way forward is for this issue?

My tank is an Aqua One 300L with 6No. 3"-4" Discus, i am currently filtering using an Eheim 2360 external canister filter. Cost wise i would probably prefer to use the filter i already have and add a filter to run along side it but all options will be considered!!

I have a trickle filter built into my tank which I have never used, are these any good or will i just stick with my instinct and steer clear of that!!

Cheers in advance,
Paul A.

Water Change

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 08:21:52 +0000

Hello,
Could anyone tell me whether to airate water before adding to tank on water change. The reason i ask is because when i prepare 20 gallons of ro water with just 2 gallons of tap water (ph 7.6) and airate for 24 hours the ph goes to 7.2. However when i dont airate i have to add 5 gallons to get it to ph 7.0. I realise when you airate it releases Co2 which makes the ph rise. I just want to know which is the correct way.

Thanks les

Does Co2 Effect The Introduction Of Discus To The Aquarium?

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 09:33:53 +0000

I have read somewhere that care should be taken in terms of the introduction of discus to an aquarium enriched in co2.

Is there a method of introduction or is it a case of lowering the CO2 levels in the aquarium to a more rasonable level and then slowly increasing it when they are in there?

Any thoughts and info appreciated.

Alex

Tiny White Like Worms On Inside Of Tank Glass?

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 08:30:09 +0000

can anyone help on this please?

Have I Found The Most Expensive Discis In The Country ?

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 01:34:19 +0000

Well stunning fish but out of my price range !!!!!

Moving Abroad

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 09:49:35 +0000

Hi Everyone
I haven't posted for a long time as I have been very busy with travelling and other stuff. I am moving abroad at the end of September so I am selling some Discus and equipment if anyone is interested. I have a breeding pair of Penang eruptions, the male I bought from Mick Minns about a year ago and the female I bought from Chens a few months later. They have raised to wriggler stage but I haven't had nearly enough time to devote to get them breeding properly. I will get some pics today and post later. I also have Fluval tank and cabenet (which pair are in) tank dimensions L100cm H50cm D40cm. I am in south Oxfordshire not far from M4, A34, A420, message me if you are interested and we can discuss.
Matt

What Dechlorinator Is Best

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 08:50:04 +0000

Hello
Been away from discus keeping for a few years,but starting again.
My tap water is very soft (gh1 and kh 1),so am going to use it for my fish.
Just wondered what the best dechlorinator is,or what you guys use.

New Discus Are Very Lively. Is This Ok?

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 00:04:30 +0000

Hi everyone.

I have just got myself a couple of pidgeons and have noticed that they are very lively compared to what Im used to. My tank is usually quite calm and the fish mingle around aimlessly without a care in the world... The two new ones seem very excitable. I don't think they are ill. They have been in the tank for 4 days and are very healthy and eating very well. Colours look great, bur they are very active. They swim around the tank very fast, but don't bump the glass or anything, and they spend some of their time swimming from the bottom to the top in one particular corner playing in the current it seems. Im sure they are not ill. Is this normal? I would send a video but every time I get close to the tank, they come for food so they know me already. (I love that about Discus. If my other half goes by the tank they dont care at all)

I've done some water tests and the results are below just in case there is a problem but I dont think so. Can you take a look and tell me if any of the readings need attention.

The tank is a Jewel 180L which had a 40% water change 2 days before the new fish arrived. I have never done water changed as regularly as you guys suggest but have always had good/fair readings. Prior to this water change there was only one fish in the tank. This fish had only been alone for 2 days as I moved the others to my 2nd tank so its not due to overcrowding/territory/bullying. They all seem to get along fine.

Water test results are:

KH 2
GH 3
No2 0
PH 7 (maybe a bit high)
Posphate 2.5
Amonia 0
Temp 30.4
Water is filtered through a home RO kit

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Rachel

Filteration

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 22:21:39 +0000

im just asking as to what filteration is best suited to discus fish asmentioned my tank is 36 x18x18 and currantly run undergravel which i understand is not realy suited for discus, i would like to try external but which is the kind to use for ease of maintainance , and for what really should go in there its been a while since i kept fish but got back into it and looking to have discus , but looking for information o:) n them thanks in advance

Having A Bad Day With My Discus

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 20:59:48 +0000

I don't know if I am actually fed up of my Discus or Im just having a bad day.

2 of my fish had white jelly poo. A red melon and a Large blue turk.

A few weeks ago my large snakeskin started with some strange white spots

17 day ago I bought 3 Discus and put them in my QT tank with a sacrificial lamb

On Thurday I decided to treat my tank as 2 of my fish had white jelly poo, Plymouth Discus said Treat with Salt and interpet 9. So on Thursday night I did a large water change and wiped down. I added 8 desert spoons of salt and 1 dose of interpet 9, On Friday night I added a Half dose of interpet 9, Saturday morning my Red melon was dead, Saturday night I added another half dose of interpet 9. Tea time today the large turk went really clamped and black so It needed to go in the QT tank but my 3 new fish were in there. Being in a flap I decided to add the 3 from my QT tank into my main tank and but the ill turk in QT. My main tank has turned into a war zone. One of the new fish, A Royal blue has been going on a mad pecking spree, Its had a go at every disus in the tank apart from a young marbro and the large snakeskin but the yound marlbro has decided it want to start pecking at everything too. The marlbro has was my 1st discus that Ive had since the end of march so I don't know why it has suddenly changed. ARGH!!!!!!

Lights On For Too Long Or Not Enough?

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 12:51:41 +0000

Hey guys.

Got one about the lights. Probably not that important but thought would just clear it with you guys. I turn the lights on roughly about 12 o clock everyday before work then turn them off when i get home about 11 o clock. Is this ok or shall i have them on longer or less?

When i first turn the lights on, the colours of the fish are quite dull but by time i get home from work, the colours are looking really clear and stunning. This is normal right?

Thanks in advance.

Beefheart

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 13:49:57 +0000

where can i buy beefheart from or more 2 the point who sells beefheart at a good price?..

Which Media Shall I Get

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 08:00:18 +0000

Hey guys.

I've had the carbon in my filter for just over a month now and am taking it out this weekend. What media shall i buy to replace it? Something that i can get from a LFS and preferably something that i wouldn't have to change every few months.

Thanks in advance.

Oh by the way the fish are really starting to look really nice and their colours are really coming through since the last problem i had. Proper chuffed with them.

Itching

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 20:28:26 +0000

One of my four new discus is sometimes rubbing himself against rocks etc but i cant see any white spot. any ideas what the problem could be.

New To Discus

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:53:02 +0000

After long thought i finally got four discus on saturday and they seemed to have settled down well after just two days. The dealer said they were feed only on tetra prima but they refuse it from me. Only food they want is blood worms which i understand is not good every day. Also one fish cant seems to have a problem getting the worms in its mouth. He seems very hungry but just cant seem to catch even in front of his nose.

My temperature is 82 but should i go higher.

Transformer

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 21:46:24 +0000

i need a new transformer for one of my light units as mine has totally gone anybody have any idea where to get one from if u know what im on about lol

thanks jay

I Am Extremly Pissed Today!

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 20:27:04 +0000

I am very pissed today!!!!

i woke up and found one of my blue colbolts dead!!!

It just had to be the fe-male of the pair that i was going to take to the show didnt it!!!!!!

just lonesome jim the ,male colbolt and larry the other male colbolt to take now then!

Alex

Lost Cause

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:04:21 +0000

after two weeks of medication i finally lost my red turq. done everything i could too try and save my first eva discus. im devastated. i turned the temp up, tried inter pet no 9 twice, 2 other lots of waterlife products and a wormer but nothing solved the problem..http://www.forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/sad.gifhttp://www.forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/no.gifhttp://www.forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/sad.gifhttp://www.forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/no.gif

Beefheart

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:05:22 +0000

Is plain minced beefheart ok to feed the fish, or is it a must to mix addites, spinach/garlic etc??

Sand Going Green

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:53:01 +0000

what can i do to stop my sand goin green? i get little bit all across the left hand side of my tank it might be because its by the window but the blinds are always shut maybe there is abit of light gettin through will that affect it??

Fine Filter Pads

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:29:17 +0000

Hi all,

Does anyone know where I can buy the fine filter pads for my Eheim 2028 at a cheap cost? I got my last lot off eBay and they were a bargain. You can still get pads for Rena, Fluval and Juwell cheaply, but not Eheim.

Regards, Steve

Happy Birthday Mick Minns

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 02:40:58 +0000

Happy BDay you scary old goat, hope your downing the Polish Vodka as I type. Stay out of thos clubs

Here's some photos to remind you of what happended the last time we were there Well the ones we can publish that is.

A Discus Show To Remember

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 01:56:17 +0000

Hi Folks

I am looking for any videos or dvds, hd or otherwise on discus activity, whether it be from your tanks, travels or elsewhere. Any sent in to us will be accredited to the original author etc.

thanks

Water Change Schedule

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 15:35:19 +0000

Greetings to all. This is my first post.

Just set up my first discus tank. I am an experienced fishkeeper and breeder of 30 years plus, but have just decided to have a first shot with a discus tank.
I have just got 5 discus (average about 2.5" TL) in a 300 litre tank. Mature filtration is an Allpondsolutions 1400EF (1400 lph external) and an Eheim 2215 (so total turnover is between 6-7 x per hour) . Temp is 29C. My local tap water is pH 7.4 out of the tap and pH8.0 when aged.

My questions encompass two main areas ..

Firstly, how often, and secondly .. how ?

How often ... I was thinking of starting at about 30%, 3 x weekly, as the tank and filtration is mature, and the tank is not heavily stocked. I feed moderately.

As to how (probably my main question) ... I am aware that I should be trying to avoid major pH changes when I water change. To start with I have been water changing using water straight from the tap, which will clearly lower my pH slightly. What would you think is an acceptable range of pH change in the tank for a water change ?
I haven't actually checked the pH change in the tank yet when I water change, but will do so on my next one on tues.

At this time of year, the temp also dips a degree or so with a WC. The fish (in my non-expert opinion) seem very happy with the water changes that I am doing.

Would appreciate anyone's thoughts .......

Happy Birthday Alex

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 12:42:39 +0000

Happy Birthday ALEX

Brian

Cone Guard \ Egg Guard

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 01:13:28 +0000

hiya seem to have difficulty trying to find a cone guard, any one know where I can get one or indeed how to make one. thanks in advance !

Any Idea?

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:04:35 +0000

i had this sachet of cheer swim wen i bought an air sponge filter from huey hung only problem is the instructions are all in chinese any idea what its for and how to use it?

Angry Wife!

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:53:07 +0000

Just been doing the last few bits of preparation on tank ready for my wilds Friday morning.
The boss went to bed early, so I thought now would be a good time to boil two litres of Indian Almond Leaf tea, just so the tank was just right for the new arrivals.
Didn't realize how strong the smell would be (normally just throw the leaves in the tank for 4 weeks at a time), wife came down the stairs like a bear that had been woken early from it's winter sleep

Think I better sleep on the sofa tonight

Brian

Heckles

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 09:57:08 +0000

HI
MY HECKLES HAVE STARTED TO EAT ....ALL BE IT MY AMAZON SWORDS ,BEEFHEART,TETRA AND WHATEVER ELSE FLOATS BY

Pics Of Fish (Help Needed)

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:52:28 +0000

Hey guys and girls.

Took a much needed trip to chens the last couple of weekends. Please see pics attached.

Got a little story to tell. Tips and advice you guys have will be much appreciated.

It begins on a wonderfull Saturday morning. Went down to see Francis and got a cobalt blue and 2 red turqs. Stunning fish, took them home and put them in my tank. 2 days later the blue cobalt started going dark and looked more light black than blue and the red turqs started geting the black stripes down their bodies. I spoke to Francis and he said that it was because i was under stocked. They get quite stressed if there's only a couple of them. So the weekend just gone i went down and picked up 2 yellow crystals and 2 cobalt blues. They all seem to be getting on really fine but as you can see in the pictures, they still have the black stripes and one of the blue cobalts looks a bit dark. They also keep going up and down in the corner of the tank. On one of the cobalt blue's has really dark black stripes down its body. Its also the smallest of all the discus in the tank.

Are all of these behaviour's normal? I've tested the water and the ammonia, nitrate and nitrite are fine, the temp is at 30-32 and the PH is 7.4.

Please tell me there is nothing wrong and that the stripes will fade away and the blue's will get their colour back.

Thanks in advance.

Has anyone ever noticed that their fish are constantly opening and closing their mouth's? Their jaws must really ache after a while. Out of all this time, i've only just noticed it tonight.

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m435/scorps1212/Discus%20tank/IMG_0790.jpg

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m435/scorps1212/Discus%20tank/IMG_0791.jpg

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m435/scorps1212/Discus%20tank/IMG_0796.jpg

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m435/scorps1212/Discus%20tank/IMG_0797.jpg

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m435/scorps1212/Discus%20tank/IMG_0798.jpg

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m435/scorps1212/Discus%20tank/IMG_0799.jpg

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m435/scorps1212/Discus%20tank/IMG_0800.jpg

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m435/scorps1212/Discus%20tank/IMG_0801.jpg

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m435/scorps1212/Discus%20tank/IMG_0802.jpg

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m435/scorps1212/Discus%20tank/IMG_0803.jpg

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m435/scorps1212/Discus%20tank/IMG_0804.jpg

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m435/scorps1212/Discus%20tank/IMG_0805.jpg

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m435/scorps1212/Discus%20tank/IMG_0806.jpg

Sorry for all the pictures but i bet im not the only one that cant help but take loads and loads of pictures of my fish. My misses says there's something wrong with me cause of the amount of time i spend snapping pics at the tank. (flash off obviously)

What To Choose?

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 09:32:53 +0000

Hi all,

I have just joined the community and looking for a bit of advice....

I am moving from a community tank to keeping Discus, and have heard loads of different ideas of setups. So was wanting your opinions on the following:

I am wanting to setup using sand, but do i go planted or not?

Water to use. My water from the tap is already soft, so do i just de-chlorinate? I also hear a HMA filter is better for Discus water rather than a RO as i have soft water?

I have done a lot of reading and am not setting anything up until i am 100% happy, hence these couple of questions.

Thanks for taking your time to help.

Lee

Water Stats Poor, What Can I Do?

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 23:12:54 +0000

Ive tested my water with a new test kit and the results are not too great. The fish are fine and have been for a few months now apart from a white poo incident. I know the fish are fine but I am a little worried now, Should I be worrying about the water?

PH - 7.8
Nitrite 0
Ammonia - 0
Nitrate - 20
KH - 6.1dH�
GH - 15.7dH�

Temp 29.5oC

Some Of My Discus

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:20:19 +0000

Some of my 2'' RGD , pls enjoy

Regards,
Ricky http://www.forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif

My Fish

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:25:22 +0000

These are still shy bless em but they are getting there ...Bruce

My Fish

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:17:44 +0000

hi
some more pictures for you Bruce

My Fish

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:07:08 +0000

HI
Here are my pride and joys and my new arrivals i hope u like.....Bruce

Photos

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:51:23 +0000

HI
Would like to share a few pictures with u on here but how do you get more than one up
do i need to resize my pics somehow without using up my capacity

im using a canon slr

bruce

Some Pics

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 22:10:09 +0000

Ok i admit to having some kind of disorder as i have changed the tank AGAIN
This is the look for this month

Billy

Co2 And Ph

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:48:21 +0000

HI
Ive been having a disscussion with my uncle for quite sometime now ref co2....

can it lower the ph of a tank if yes by how much ???

would it be rapid lowering or gradual...ive never used co2 havent had the need but would like to get my water down to the magic number
somehow

bruce

Floating Plants

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 05:09:33 +0000

hi
need to locate some floating plants for surface coverage /light restriction as my new fish are loveley n happy with light on
but go banas and playful with light off

any
body help me out with a good stockist and mail order will be appreciated

kind regards

bruce

White Poo

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 18:58:52 +0000

one of my fish has white poo ive treated the tank for seven days with interpet no 9 and turned the temp past 30 and still pooing white what else can i do thinking bout giving up ..

Alenquer Red Evolution. Pics

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 10:16:09 +0000

Hi all,

I start this show of evolution of my new Alenquer fry, this is my new objective for 2010-2011 season

They were born 16th June 2010

Here with dad & mum and eating mucus
Mum
[IMG]http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/Chema_Alcala/06_2010/DSC_0030.jpg[/IMG]
Dad (Stendker)
[IMG]http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/Chema_Alcala/06_2010/DSC_0024.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/Chema_Alcala/06_2010/DSC_0027.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/Chema_Alcala/06_2010/DSC_0020.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/Chema_Alcala/06_2010/DSC_0005.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/Chema_Alcala/06_2010/DSC_0018.jpg[/IMG]

Regards!
Chema

Reading Matter

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:30:21 +0000

Been keeping discus for 3 maybe 4 years and although I think I know enough to get by on a daily basis I would love to have a decent book to refer to from time to time, Can anyone out there recommend one to me?

Thanks in advance

Getting Discus Again

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 09:56:27 +0000

Hey guys. I've been too long without discus. I've been keeping convict cichlids for a while but have now come to my senses. I am taking the male and female convcicts along with their 40 odd babies to my LFS on Saturday to hand them over, then going straight to see Francis to get a few starter discus from him. The water is fine for them, the temp is also fine and the only other fish that are in there are 2 clown loach (small), 4 danios, orange barb and a plec.

Im hoping to get a couple of blue turq's and a golden albino to start with. Does anyone suggest against that? If so please tell me.

Here are a couple of pics of the tank so far with the convicts in. Will take updated pictures once discus are in.

Need A Favour

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 19:27:22 +0000

Has anyone got Heiko's book, if yes I'm looking for a certain piece of info I know is in there.

Can anyone help?
If you can, can you PM me and I'll explain what I need.

Hugh thanks to anyone who can help

Brian

Water Twst Kits

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 08:23:34 +0000

hi
i have a hagen master test kit and two hagen mini master test kits ...Last night i just thought id do an experiment and test the ph on my tank
which is having my new discus in and my current wild tank ,,here is the results

mini master kit 1 ==== 7.4ph

mini master kit 2 ==== 6 ph

master test kit === 6.4 ph

how on earth can this be ??????????

so i did a high range ph test also out of the master kit ===== 7.4ph

does any one no of a kit thats bang on coz im scratching my head now ..

this is just a question there is abs nothing wrong with my fish at all

bruce

Pic Of 1St Discus Tank.450L Juwel

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 21:43:53 +0000

Pic of tank 9weeks after setup.

I Give Up!

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:06:31 +0000

i never thought i'd say this, but i'm giving up on discus! these stunning fish have completely humbled me time and again and i think its time to call it a day. i cant seem to get them disease free, flukes, worms, fin rot and secondary infections just wont go away! i'm not a novice, kept fish of all kinds for years, but i'm no expert. i know about water, testing and diet, but these guys have tested me to the limit! i've bred them in the past! i've spent hundreds on them,r/o and hma systems, and treatments of all descriptions! i have some nice fish(had) but even the strong ones seem to be succoming to infections! so its time to call it a day. not sure what to do with the fish, any ideas? ian.

Mick R.e The Salt

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:21:31 +0000

I was asking if it were true that the addition of salt can lessen the harmfull effects of Nitrite in an aquarium.

as a NT labs Rep came to the shop and were discussing the different products NTlabs do and then we got onto the salt as on there packaging on there salt it says if you add salt to a pond that has Nitrite readings they say that the salt will lessen the harmfull effects this ( nitrite elevation) has to pond fish whilst the filter is trying stabalise it.

so i were asking you as you will probs have an idea would this be true in an aquarium also?

Alex

What Are Your Fish Scared Of?

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:53:02 +0000

Just had to share this with you all
My fish frightened the life out of me today walked into the room and instead of being greeted and mugged for food as usual they were all hiding huddled together in one corner of course my immediate thought was OMG somethings gone wrong!! so out with the test kits....everything fine...alot of scratching of heads trying to work out what was wrong when I noticed it.........helium balloon opposite the tank..............balloon removed from room fish immediately came out and begged for food...............so to all of you with kids keep balloons away from the tank LOL
Anyway this got me thinking and a post I read earlier made me wonder how many have had this experience with their fish and whats the most bizarre thing they have been scared of?

Sarah

My Discus Laid Eggs

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 17:02:10 +0000

I know I haven't been on here in a very long time so I thought I would share some great news. Two of my pigeon bloods have paired off and they laid eggs this afternoon. Woohoooo!!!!! I'm so happy. They are still white so I don't think they got fertilized but at least this lets me know that I'm donig something right. Anyways, thanks for looking.

Mick Minns Is A Star !

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 16:56:06 +0000

Just want to say a big thankyou to Mick for coming round today and plumbing in my new fishhouse for me, guys a legend and a gent !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks me old mucka !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Members Lounge

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 23:39:13 +0000

Hi All,

I can't seem to access the members lounge.

Is this a known issue or just me ??

To my knowledge my membership is paid up to date ??

Best Regards.................Tony

Discus Tankmates

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 08:03:59 +0000

[font="""]Morning all[/font]

[font="""]I have decided to make room for a marine tank but that means mixing my Discus tank with my 300ltr main tank. I was slowly going to crank my main tank up to 28 deg from the 26 it is usually, remove the more aggressive cichlids and add the discus. PH is about 6.5 in both tanks[/font]

[font="""]The fish I plan on leaving in the main tank are as follows: Panda Corys Adolfois cory,ottos, bristlenose, clown plec, inspector plec, Rummynoses, cardinals, 2 Keyhole cichlids, 1 Port acara (sheepshead)[/font]

[font="""]2 Golden wonder killiefish. [/font]

[font="""]Anybody see any problems you comments will be appreciated.[/font]

[font="""]thanks[/font]

7 Day Old Fry

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 20:29:52 +0000

hello i have finally got my fry to 6 day old ,
when they are ready to come out, what size tank
should i grow them on in. another thing i heard is they are prone
to dying of gill flukes ,when would be the right time to treat them for this.
and what medication would i have to use. thanx for looking
there are roughly 70 - 80 fish in there give or take a few, at preasent
they are in a 48"x16"x21" tank with the parent fish i have a spare 4 foot tank
and 2 24"x12"x15" tanks i used for breeding all input will be greatly valued cheers

Syphon Sand?

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:57:57 +0000

would it be ok for me to syphon out the sand from my current aquarium to my new 1?

Co2 How Much

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 20:18:31 +0000

Hi all just need a bit of advice if possible.Just brought a new co2 unit and before it comes i am trying to work out how many bubbles to use the formula says this ?(volume of water x dkh : 50= number of bubbles per minute) but i dont get the :50 bit here are my readings ph 7.4 kh is 8 drops so its 8x10=80 divided by 17.86 that makes it 4.479283314669653 volume of water fully planted is 380ltrs so that is 380x i did 4.4=1672 i take it thats not 1672 a minute do i need to do somthing with the :50.

Tds

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 10:31:28 +0000

what is or should be a good tds reading in your tank any ideashttp://www.forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/artist.gif

New Tank

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:44:18 +0000

i have finally found another tank after spending all day on internet aslong as known offers higher by monday morning which is 2day:P , i will have a aqua one bow fronted 480litre cant wait

would it be ok to put all water from my 360lite into that and then top up with hma?

Suspected Leak:@

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 14:23:00 +0000

cannot believe my tank has got a leak well i think it has as i can see water round the rim at the bottom of tank where it is sitting on cabinet

have now got to look for a new one before i have 360 litres gushing through my house lol

Water Results

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:27:49 +0000

decided to get myself a decent water testing kit and the results are as follows
ph=7-7.5
gh=6
kh=3
nitrite=<0.3mg/1
any good or not??

Bye Bye Asians

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 21:11:13 +0000

After a long hard think I have decided to go WILD.
I have spent the last 2.5 years keeping Asian bred man made strains, they are beautiful looking fish, and they have humbled me many a time, letting me know that my knowledge about them isn't complete, but now it is time to have a real piece of the Amazon living in my front room. My current discus will be sorely missed but change is in the air.
As mentioned on another thread I have been busy turning my main 260 litre tank into a biotope. Now that the first stage is complete I've come to realise that my Asians just don't look right in there, so if this tank is going to be all I want it to be then they will have to make way for their cousins from the wild.
What this means is over the coming weeks / months all my current discus will be put up for sale to provide the room and much needed funds to enable me to purchase 6 wild discus. I will be posting adverts on the site properly over the coming weeks but if anyone is interested in my stock feel free to visit my profile and look at some of my fish and PM me for any more details.
So for now it is Bye Bye discus, hello WILDIES!!!!

Brian.

Raised Scales

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:04:49 +0000

a few of my fish have raised scales does anyone know why or what could cause this problem,

Feeding 6 New Discus

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 21:54:18 +0000

Hi Guys,
I added 6 discus into my new aquarium 10 days ago and they have settled in really well and looking great, 3 red turqs and 3 blue turqs all approx 3" including tail. I am currently feeding them beefheart (2 10mm cubes per day) and tera prima (2-3 servings per day) not one bit of food left in the tank after a feed, am i feeding these guys enough as every time i pass the tank they rush to the top waiting on food!!! If they will eat more should i be feeding them more as long as they are eating it all and not leaving any laying around, i get the feeling they would eat all day given the chance!!

I put my hand in with the beefheart tonight as usual and they ate out of my hand for the first time, every one of them..............how much was i loving it!!!!! http://www.forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/w00t2.gif

Can i also ask how often i should be cleaning my external filter and how i go about cleaning it, do i just take it to bits and replace a percentage of the media and the filter pads?? My tank is 300L and i have an Eheim ecco 2236 external canister filter.

Thanks in advance

Paul

Project Update

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 21:38:33 +0000

Here is some pics of my first stage attempt at a biotope, still along way to go. ]
I'm now considering selling all my Asian discus for 6 Wilds / F1s

and this is my new breeding set up with Checkerboards

Brian

Worm Things In Filter

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 11:59:28 +0000

Hi all need your expert advise as you all know from my last post i have a brand new rio 400 tank so all the water is new and i'm using my fluval 405 out my old tank and i brought a pigeon blood about 4 weeks ago! Just to let you know whats new in the tank, anyway i just cleaned the filter out and first thing i seen under one of the sponges was a dark redish leach like thing it was moving like a catapiller (sort of) i tryed to get a pic but wouldnt show up,it was about 3mm long when stretched out,when i moved it on to some white paper it just splatted like jelly.Then i continued to look under the other sponges and seen very small worm like tape worms but really small and they moved like a snake so different to the big one! Not sure if they where the babies could somebody please help as i'm a bit worried now could they be flanks.

Filter

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 13:33:31 +0000

Hi Guys
I have a 180lt fluval tank with a internal filter but i am finding the current a bit fast for my fish
so i am looking for an external filter that will do the job.. ease of use easy to clean..ETC.

Thanks in advance

Colin

Fish Tank Smashed

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 18:04:09 +0000

CLICK ME FOR VIDEO
Hi all what a nightmare on saturday was on the xbox about 6pm and the wife was having a snooze http://www.forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/sleep_1.gif and i thought i'll just go and get a drinkhttp://www.forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/beer.gif ,as i walked past my tank which is a 5ft one with curved corners i heard a strange crackinghttp://www.forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif next minute it was like being in a water fall http://www.forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif i couldnt believe it the one corner cracked from top to bottom and water was pouring out about 70 ltrs on my front room carpet!I shouted the wife and she come running in half asleep running round screaming lol she held the side and front together best she could i filled one of my water mixing bins that hold about 80 ltrs put the fish in with the heater and filter and then bailed all the water out the window of my flat upstairs lol anyway all is now well and after vaxing the carpet a few times.My fault for buying a second hand china made tank the glass was only 5mm thick when i checked,anyway i needed a new tank asap so looked on ebay no luck in my area so as you do and thinking of my fish went out a brought a juwel rio 400 got it for £700, here is a pic and video hope you enjoyed the story and hope it never happens to you guys http://www.forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/no.gif .

Updated Pic! Night Shots

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 21:40:03 +0000

these are the night shots requested

hope you like

jay

Advice Needed.

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:50:03 +0000

Hello,iam new to the site and a newbie in the Discus world.
I have currently cycled my tank,fishless of course!
Could anyone give me any advice on the best water parameters
for general keeping and fastest growth.
Iam using an R/O Unit to purify my water.What would be the best
overall Ph,Kh and Gh of water. any advice welcome.

Water Hardness

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 09:02:16 +0000

Hi guys

I have just tested my tap water and it is KH 18 and GH 24 .Iknow that is high so i have oredered an RO unit ..when i start using the unit I have read that the ph might go crazy..Do i need to add anything to the RO water before i puy in my tank

thanks
Colin

Any Discus Keepers In Milton Keynes?

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:11:52 +0000

Hi
i'm Paul, aged 50 living with my wife & 2 daughters with 5 beauties: pigeon blood, orange chrystal, cobalt, turquoise & a blue turquiose in Old Farm Park, MK. Only had the Discus a couple of months, they are stunning and eating v well in a densely planted 41 gallon tank. i used to have them for many years when i was younger. I just wondered if there is any like minded fish keepers locally?

Smallest Discus For Sale Ive Ever Seen

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 06:04:21 +0000

hi
paid a visit sunday to local fish shop for some stuff for new tank,they had some discus for sale �20 each i swear to tmy grave that these fish were smaller than a 50 pence peice ive never seen fish this small for sale i actually had to get right up to the glass to fully focus on them ...i was always of the understanding that discus should be at least 10 to 12 weeks old before being sold ...??

bruce

Stop Red Melon From Laying Eggs

Mon, 31 May 2010 18:56:14 +0000

Hi all iv got so much activity in my aquarium just now problem is my red melon wants to lay eggs don't want her to as this will stop her growth help .

Weekend Ends Here

Sun, 30 May 2010 17:19:16 +0000

phew
all wild discus relocated to main tank all domestic discus re located to ex wild tank .pair of discus re located toex wild tank..ex pairs tank stripped down bare ,vinegar cleaned .. re planted re furbished and now re filling .ready for my next batch hopefully...Bily ure leaves will leave monday i promise

bruce

Silica Sand Querie

Sat, 29 May 2010 12:12:27 +0000

hi ive got a problem with some silika sand but i will start at the begining then you can see how i got in this messim just setting up my tank and had bought 40k of silika sand that i spent 5hrs cleaning now i had this in a bucket with a bit of ply on topsitting outside the shed [SHOULD HAVE PUT IT AWAY]anyway i forgot about it and went off to work not thinking the grandbairnes were coming down anyway when i got home from work all my gleaming silika sand was spread from one end of the garden to the otherand i wasent best pleased about this PUTTING IT MILDLY so to try to make amends my doughter got me some more off ebay as far as i can make out this stuff is advertised as 30k with free postage but is reclaimed stuff anyway it arrived and i started washing it well it washes up clean BUTthair is little tiny peices of whot looks like rubber in it you can wash some out but you carnt wash it all out anyway ive washed it and washed it that many times ive probably lost a kilo down the sink so thairs still some of this stuff in thair now whot i need to know has anybody else had this sand and will it be safe to use in my tank or should i just bin it thanks paddyray

Updated Pic Undermoonlight!

Sat, 29 May 2010 09:03:56 +0000

not that bright as took them this morning looks better in pitch black

Hma Filter!

Fri, 28 May 2010 12:36:25 +0000

should i run a few litres into a bucket and chuck it before i clean my tank or will it be orite to let it run straight into the tank

any help would be appreciated

jay

Latests Projects So Far

Wed, 26 May 2010 22:05:34 +0000

Hi all, for the last 6 weeks I've been planning two parallel projects, here is a quick progress to date.

Project 1: To turn my 260 ltr main tank into a biotope.
First I spent lots of time researching plants, wood, sand and sunken leaves to replicate the biotope to the best of my abilities.
First purchase was a fantastic piece of wood that look just like tree roots, the wood was soaked for three weeks, then persuaded to fit in with two holes drilled in the top to allow for the wood to be suspended from the stress bar, again trying for a genuine look.
While wood was soaking I bought two different types of floating plants; Salvinia Natans and Pista Stratiotes.
Plants were put into a quarantine tank for four weeks, no snails or nasties SORTED!
My old vinal background was removed for the tank, all out side glass really cleaned. I then cut up a large piece of reddish / brown cloth. I deliberately crumpled the cloth then attached to the back of the tank as a new back ground. The creases make the cloth more natural looking.
Slowly the wood then plants have been added and allowed to settle for one / two weeks.
Plant growth has been amazing, I started out with just enough plants to cover 1/6 of the surface, now they cover 4/5.

Project 2: To set up a breeding tank.
With al ot of help from Jay (dubesky) I found a second hand 220 ltr tank (with all the marine equipment thrown into the �50. asking price!)
Lots of lemon juice and elbow grease and the tank is sorted again. It has found a home on my Kitchen counter looking back into the dinning room. I've set up a XXL sponge filter, matured for two months in main tank and added a XL air stone. Old planted theme vinal background put on for a bit of colour. This tank has tonight took it's first discus to care for. A male checkerboard I think, the female goes in tomorrow.

As for the next four weeks; Indian Almond Leaves and last year's fallen Oak leaves to be sourced, cleaned and prepared. Play sand dusted over floor with mixed leaves. Then I'm on the look out for some tiny pieces of wood to scatter over floor.
While all this is going on hopefully the checkerboards will have started breeding.

Photos will be posted over the weekend of my two projects, no time now, started new job this week and I'm needing my ugly sleep.

Brian

Mix Of Red & Blue Discus

Wed, 26 May 2010 03:35:24 +0000

Do you recommend to keep both red & blue discus in same tank ? In my tank, it is found that the red ones are always 'chasing' the blue ones. I'm recommended by the store keeper to buy more blue discus to solve this problem. I'm a beginner of discus keeping. My tank water volume is around 60 litre, and my tank equips with an external ECCO filter. Pls advise me. Thank you.